Dissolving Ionic vs. Covalent Solutes

What is a simple definition of an ionic compound?

• A compound made only of nonmetals

• A compound composed of ions, typically a metal cation and a nonmetal anion

• A compound where electrons are shared between atoms

• A compound that cannot dissolve in water

What example is given for a covalent compound?

• Salt

• Water

• Sugar

• Sodium Chloride

What property differentiates ionic and covalent compounds in solution?

• Color

• Taste

• Conductivity

• Density

Why does salt increase the conductivity of water?

• It decreases the water's pH

• It adds flavor to the water

• It introduces free ions that carry charge

• It makes the water denser

What happens to sodium chloride when it dissolves in water?

• It becomes a covalent compound

• It dissociates into individual sodium and chloride ions

• It forms covalent bonds with water molecules

• It remains intact as formula units

What is the role of water in dissolving ionic compounds?

• It forms ionic bonds with the solute

• It breaks ionic bonds through dehydration

• It surrounds the ions, weakening the ionic bonds

• It increases the temperature of the solute

Why does sugar not increase water's conductivity?

• Because it forms ionic bonds in water

• Because it reacts chemically with water

• Because it does not dissociate into ions

• Because it evaporates

What is the term used exclusively for covalent compounds?

• Ion

• Crystal

• Molecule

• Formula units

How do water molecules interact with sodium ions?

• The hydrogen part of the water molecule faces the ion

• Water molecules do not interact with sodium ions

• Water molecules form covalent bonds with the ions

• The oxygen part of the water molecule faces the ion

What is a key feature of water that allows it to dissolve many substances?

• Its taste

• Its color

• Its ability to form intermolecular attractions

• Its high density